Apple iPad Event: What To Expect From The October Announcement

Apple will launch a new line-up of iPads (and a few more surprises) at an event from California and London on Tuesday 22 October.

But what specifically should you expect from the announcement?

Here's what we know will happen, what we think might happen -- and what we're pretty sure won't occur, but we're hoping for anyway.

iPad 5

An update to Apple's flagship tablet is a virtual certainty. An upgraded processor and other basic internals are a lock. A better rear-facing camera is also pretty high on the list, as is a visual refresh. We're hearing that the new design will have a thinner bezel, like the current iPad Mini, and might come in a few new colours (perhaps even the same gold as the most sought-after iPhone 5S).

iPad Mini 2

A new iPad Mini with a Retina display, better processor and refreshed design (again in a few new colours) is another sure bet. It's possible that the same Touch ID sensor on the iPhone 5S could also come to the machine, though that would drive the price up - which seems counter to the iPad Mini's low-cost ethos. On the other hand we wouldn't be surprised if the original iPad Mini was kept around too, as a very low-cost entry point to the iOS ecosystem.

iPad Pro

There's some talk about a new, bigger iPad (perhaps as large as 12-inches) making an appearance with a thin bezel, possibly a TouchID sensor and a premium price-point. The idea would be to further blur the line between tablets and laptops. Which brings us onto…

Smart Covers

Apple's tagline for the event is "we still have a lot to cover" - and you don't have to be a genius to work out the key word in that sentence. A range of keyboard 'smart' covers' (similar to those released by Microsoft last year for its Surface tablets) would be a straightforward win for Apple, since many of its customers use such covers for their devices already. Without a kickstand it might prove more of a challenge to design something simple, sleek and useful, but we have a feeling Apple will find a way to pull it off.

Apple TV

No - not an Apple Television. But an update to the Apple TV set-top box has been trailed for a long time by various outlets, and we'd like to see an upgrade with more space for third-party apps, and a better design. Still, it's hard to see how Apple could do anything totally game-changing without a major rethink of its TV strategy, and that will likely come next year.

Mac Pro

The already-announced Mac Pro (yes, the 'dustbin' one) will get pricing and availability information at the event. As will…

Mac OS X Mavericks

The new version of Apple's desktop OS will get its final details before launch later this year (possibly before the end of October). Oh and…

Macbook Pros

We're hearing a lot of rumours about possible updates to the Macbook Pro line, including a slightly fanciful idea of a 12-inch Retina 'Air Pro' with a Haswell processor. But we'll believe that when we see it.

Mac Mini

We have no details on this, but it would be nice to see the Mac Mini get a much-deserved upgrade.

1Apple iPhone 6s

The iPhone 6s on the surface at least looks like your bog standard update. Visually it's very much the same animal but look a little deeper and this is an entirely different phone. There's now a pressure-sensitive display utilising a feature called 'Force Touch' while a blistering new processor means it's one of the most capable gaming devices outside of your living room.

2Google Nexus 5X

The Nexus 5X strikes the ultimate balance between power and affordability. Taking over the responsibility from the frankly excellent Nexus 5, Google's new smartphone boast an ultra-light body but still crams in a fingerprint sensor, the latest version of Android marshmallow and a Full-HD display.

3HTC One A9

The HTC One A9 is the iPhone for people who love Android. There's simply no denying the design similarities between the two phones. Thankfully HTC's packed this with more flagship features than you can shake a indecently sized stick at. There's a fingerprint reader, 5-inch Full-HD display, 13MP camera and the A9 can play high-resolution audio.

4Sony Xperia Z5 Premium

Sony has created the world's first truly 4K smartphone. While you might be wondering why, the fact is they've gone ahead and done it anyway. Utilising Sony's amazing screen expertise it should come as no surprise to learn the display is an absolute stunner. There's a fingerprint reader and the ability to play high-res audio.

5Google Nexus 6P

The Google Nexus 6P is Google's answer to the big-screen phone. Sporting a 5.7-inch Full-HD panel, the 6P has a beautifully thin unibody enclosure while the subtle fingerprint scanner on the back can be used for security and for paying. You'll also get the added advantage of owning a phone that'll always get Google's Android software before anyone else keeping it safer than ever.

The LG G4 is LG's most advanced smartphone yet. Combining a massive 5.5-inch 2K display with a powerful F1.8 lens camera this is a phone that means business. If you can get past the size of it then you'll be richly rewarded. Thanks to that F1.8 lens LG claims that the G4 is the closest you'll get to a professional SLR on a smartphone without spending thousands on a camera.

The Galaxy S6 Edge is probably the most advanced phone available right now. With it's stunningly curved 2K display and powerful octa-core processor this is a return to form for Samsung that was much needed. If you're after the absolute cutting-edge then this is for you, just don't expect the battery to last any longer than a day.

The Moto X 2 is significant for two reasons; the first of which is that you can almost entirely design it yourself. On top of that you get a stunning 5.2-inch display that's matched with a phone that measures in at just 3.8mm at its thinnest point. Thanks to Motorola's agreement with Google it's pure Android and will get updates from Google as soon as they're announced. For now, this is your Nexus replacement.

This is the Samsung Galaxy Note 4 and it shows the biggest departure from Samsung's design thinking yet. Gone is the cheap plasticky body, replaced with a thin metal frame and smooth leather back. The screen is still 5.7-inches but Samsung's upped the resolution to a massive 2K.

The Nokia Lumia 930 is the flagship phone for Microsoft. Running the increasingly impressive Windows Phone operating system the 930 is a serious contender against the iPhone 6 and S6. It also happens to be a seriously powerful smartphone as well with a 5-inch Full-HD display, 20MP camera and professional levels of film recording thanks to four mics for full stereo pickup.